(Newser)
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Fred Thompson will enter the 2008 presidential race in early July, the Politico reports, bolstered by millions of dollars in contributions and the support of key Republican insiders. The "Law & Order" star and former Tennessee senator, a hard-line conservative, will pitch himself as a steady, consistent presence who can bring his disaffected party together.

Thompson will formally declare in Nashville around Fourth of July. He plans to make some appearances accompanied by his iconic red pickup truck—a folksy symbol that belies the craftiness of waiting until after his opponents' second-quarter financials are complete to start fundraising. Polls have showed Thompson tied with Mitt Romney in third place, behind John McCain and Rudy Giuliani.